Despite a strong start, Jackson’s performance raises questions about his ability in critical moments
In a highly anticipated clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens found themselves in a familiar situation – trailing in a crucial postseason matchup. The game ultimately ended with a 17-10 defeat for the Ravens, raising concerns about Jackson’s ability to perform under pressure.
A Quarter of Promise: A Fast Start Turns Dim
One quarter into the game, it seemed like Lamar Jackson was ready to lead the Ravens to victory. After a dazzling touchdown drive by Patrick Mahomes, Jackson showcased his trademark urgency, sprinting for a crucial 21-yard gain on fourth-and-1. Following a spectacular play, he connected with rookie receiver Zay Flowers for a 30-yard touchdown pass. Unfortunately, this would be the only touchdown drive for Jackson and the Ravens in the game.
Defending Lamar Jackson’s Track Record
Lamar Jackson, the 32nd overall pick from the 2018 NFL draft, has overcome various challenges since entering the league. His passing accuracy improved significantly this season, boasting a 67.2% completion rate, ranking sixth among all quarterbacks with a minimum of 400 attempts. Despite a disappointing playoff debut in 2019, Jackson rebounded the following season, winning the MVP trophy with impressive stats.
This season, Jackson showcased his prowess by dominating the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, accumulating 690 total yards and six touchdowns. However, when it mattered most against the Chiefs, Jackson struggled to replicate his regular-season success.
A Night to Forget: Jackson’s Playoff Woes Continue
Sunday night’s game exposed Jackson’s vulnerabilities. Despite a promising start, he missed critical throws, completing just 54.1% of his passes for 272 yards. Holding onto the ball for too long resulted in four sacks, including a strip-sack. The most damning moment came in the fourth quarter when, trailing 17-7, Jackson threw into triple coverage, leading to a game-sealing interception.
In six career playoff games, Jackson has completed 57.4% of his passes, throwing for six touchdowns and six interceptions while being sacked 24 times. The Ravens have only won two of those games.
Facing the Criticism: Pressure and Expectations
At the postgame news conference, Jackson was questioned about whether he tried to do too much on the field. He defended his actions, stating, “No, we’re trying to win. I don’t think you’re doing too much when you’re trying to win out there.”
The pressure on Jackson is magnified by his demand for a trade in the offseason, followed by signing a record-breaking five-year, $260 million contract. Despite facing criticism from teams like the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, and Miami Dolphins, Jackson is determined to prove his worth.
The Burden of Being a Black Quarterback
The narrative surrounding Jackson extends beyond football. As a Black quarterback, he faces added scrutiny and the expectation of being “twice as good to get half as far.” Despite the increasing number of Black starting quarterbacks, the pressure remains high. Jackson’s style and performance are often questioned, adding to the noise surrounding his every move on the field.
Looking Ahead: A Determined Jackson
Despite the disappointment, Jackson remains focused on the future. He acknowledged the team’s need to “put points on the board” and expressed confidence in the Ravens’ ability to bounce back. The offseason becomes a crucial period for improvement, and Jackson is determined to be in a winning position in future championship games.
In a recent podcast appearance on Tom Brady‘s show, Jackson expressed a burning desire to win a Super Bowl. However, until he proves himself in critical playoff games, the doubts surrounding his ability to lead the Ravens to victory will persist.
In the aftermath of yet another postseason defeat, the questions surrounding Lamar Jackson’s postseason performance remain unanswered, leaving fans and critics alike pondering whether the Ravens can secure a Super Bowl with Jackson at the helm.
